Getting lost along your path is a part of finding the path you are meant to be on.
Young Adult - Intensive Outpatient Program
Our Young Adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to provide comprehensive mental health support for individuals aged 18-25 who are navigating emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or mental health concerns. This program integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) coping skills to help participants build resilience, manage emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships.
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Program Structure
Frequency: Sessions are held Monday through Thursday. Clients will attend three to four times per week for 3-hour group sessions. Frequency is based on each client’s individual needs.
Duration: Typically lasts 8-12 weeks depending on the individualized treatment plan and progress.
Format: Includes a combination of group therapy, individual therapy, and family support services as appropriate.
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Core Components
Our IOP emphasizes skill-building in four primary DBT modules:
Mindfulness: Participants learn to stay present, increase self-awareness, and reduce emotional reactivity.
Distress Tolerance: Focuses on building skills to manage crisis situations without making impulsive decisions that could worsen the situation.
Emotion Regulation: Teaches techniques to identify, understand, and manage intense emotions effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Participants develop communication strategies to maintain healthy relationships, set boundaries, and advocate for their needs.
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Program Goals
1- Develop effective coping strategies for managing stress.
2- Improve communication and interpersonal skills.
3- Build confidence in navigating daily life challenges.
4- Foster long-term emotional Wellness and resilience.
Our program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where young adults can gain skills to thrive, develop meaningful connections, and build a stronger foundation for their mental health journey.
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Additional Services
Psychoeducation: Helps participants better understand mental health conditions and how DBT skills can support lasting change.
Skill Application Practice: Opportunities for real-life skill implementation, ensuring participants feel confident utilizing DBT strategies outside the therapeutic setting.
Collaborative Treatment Planning: Each participant receives personalized goals and strategies to address their unique concerns.
Group Descriptions
Executive Functioning
Interpersonal Processing
Emotion Management
Mondays
DBT
Social Skills
Creative Expression
Tuesdays
Empowerment
Life Skills
CBT
Wednesdays
Creative Coping
Resilience
Healthy Relationships
Thursdays
Core Process & Support Groups
Check-in and Processing Group – A space for clients to share struggles, successes, and receive peer support.
Self-Compassion & Self-Worth Group – Helping young adults navigate self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism.
Identity & Life Transitions Group – Exploring issues related to independence, career choices, relationships, and personal growth.
Skills-Based Groups
CBT & DBT Skills Group – Teaching distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and cognitive restructuring.
Executive Functioning & ADHD Skills – Focused on time management, organization, motivation, and managing neurodivergence.
Healthy Coping Strategies – Practicing mindfulness, grounding techniques, creative outlets, and body-based strategies.
Trauma & Emotional Processing Groups
Trauma-Informed Resilience Group – Addressing how trauma impacts the brain and body, while developing coping skills.
Anxiety & Depression Management – Focusing on symptom reduction, thought patterns, and behavioral activation.
Grief & Loss Group – Navigating different types of loss (death, relationships, identity, etc.).
Relationships & Communication Groups
Healthy Relationships & Boundaries – Teaching assertive communication, recognizing toxic dynamics, and boundary-setting.
Family Dynamics & Reparenting Group – Processing family-of-origin wounds and learning self-nurturing techniques.
Dating, Love, & Attachment Group – Exploring attachment styles, emotional safety, and self-worth in relationships.
Specialized & Expressive Groups
Creative Expression Groups – Using creative interventions like sandtray therapy, art, or music for self-exploration.
Mind-Body Connection & Somatic Healing – Incorporating movement, breathwork, and trauma-informed yoga.
Addiction & Harm Reduction Group – Supporting those navigating substance use, gaming, or social media addiction.
Practical Life & Empowerment Groups
Adulting 101: Life Skills Group – Covering financial literacy, job skills, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.
Values & Purpose Exploration – Helping clients define their goals, meaning, and direction in life.
Young Adult IOP FAQs:
What are the hours of the IOP?
IOP runs Monday through Thursday from 12:00pm to 2:50pm. Each day includes three structured group therapy sessions, with two short breaks in between.
What is the cost of the program?
The program costs $300 per day, totaling $1,200 per week. This includes:
12 weekly group therapy sessions (3 groups per day)
1 60min weekly individual session
1 60min monthly family therapy session
Access to a 60min weekly virtual parent support group (Thursdays at 12pm)
What kind of therapy and topics are covered?
Each day includes three group sessions centered around evidence-based and creative approaches. Topics include:
Emotional regulation (DBT, ACT, and CBT-informed)
Interpersonal processing and communication
Life skills and executive functioning
Identity, self-worth, and empowerment
Social skills, mindfulness, and resilience
Creative expression (art, storytelling, writing)
Healthy relationships and boundaries
Each week includes a balance of skill-building, processing, and experiential work tailored to this unique life stage.
Can a client still see their individual therapist outside of IOP?
Yes! We strongly support continuity of care and encourage clients to remain connected to their outpatient providers while in IOP. We do require a signed release, that would allow us to collaborate with other professionals involved in their care.
Is insurance accepted?
We are out-of-network with most insurance providers. If your plan offers out-of-network benefits and allows for IOP reimbursement, we are happy to provide a Superbill you can submit for reimbursement purposes.
Please be aware:
An approved preauthorization does not guarantee full coverage. It simply means that your insurer has reviewed the clinical information we provided, and agrees IOP is medically necessary.
You may still be responsible for deductibles, copays, or coinsurance based on your individual plan.
What if I have Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)?
Currently, BCBS will not reimburse for IOP services unless the program is licensed as an IOP facility. While North Carolina does not require licensure to operate an IOP, BCBS implemented this requirement in 2024.
We are actively pursuing licensure and awaiting a fire inspection—unfortunately, this process can take several more weeks. We will keep you updated on progress.
Who is a good fit for this IOP?
This program is designed for young adults ages 18–25 who are:
Struggling with mental health challenges such as suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, impaired social skills, significant difficulty functioning in school/work environments, and/or emotional dysregulation.
Transitioning into adulthood and seeking structure, support, and community
In need of more support than weekly therapy can provide, but not requiring inpatient care
We also welcome clients who are stepping down from higher levels of care.
How long is the typical length of stay?
Most participants remain in IOP for 8 to 12 weeks (2–3 months). However, treatment is highly individualized. Some may benefit from a shorter stay, while others may need additional time to meet their goals.
How do we know when someone is ready to “graduate”?
Graduation is goal-based, not time-based. We assess:
Progress toward individualized treatment goals
Clinical improvement and stabilization
Ongoing needs and risk factors
Decisions are made collaboratively between the client, clinical team, and (when appropriate) caregivers.
What is the caregiver’s role during IOP?
Your presence matters. While we encourage independence, supportive, non-intrusive involvement is key. Ask questions like:
“What was your biggest takeaway from group today?”
“Have you learned a skill you think might help me too?”
“What’s been the most challenging part of group so far?”
Attend the weekly virtual parent group for education, support, and skill-building to better understand your young adult’s journey. Please let us know if you feel you need additional support - we are here for you!
How do we get started?
The first step is to schedule an intake with one of our IOP clinicians in order to determine if an IOP level of care is necessary. The cost for this diagnostic evaluation is $225 - this cost includes a 90 minute evaluation/session with the client and caregivers (when necessary), necessary paperwork, creating a detailed and comprehensive treatment plan, and determining insurance preauthorization.
To schedule an intake or learn more, please contact us at:
919-739-4121
info@hopecrestcounselingcom
We'll guide you through the intake process, insurance preauthorization (if applicable), and any additional questions you may have.
